Lakshya Sen scripts history at Kumamoto Masters as India records best-ever BWF World Tour season

Lakshya Sen became the first Indian to win the Kumamoto Masters Japan title, producing a determined comeback to defeat home favourite Koki Watanabe 13-21, 21-18, 21-14 in the men's singles final on Sunday. 

The eighth-seeded Indian took one hour and four minutes to secure the Super 500 crown at the Kumamoto Prefectural Gymnasium, completing a second consecutive title-winning week after his triumph at the Hylo Open in Germany earlier this month.

The victory marked another milestone in what has become India's most successful season on the BWF World Tour by the measure of titles and runner-up finishes at Super 300 and higher-level tournaments outside the country. Indian shuttlers have now collected nine titles and four silver medals in 2026, surpassing the previous best of six titles and three runner-up finishes achieved in 2023.

For Sen, the Kumamoto triumph was significant on both a personal and national level. He became the first Indian to win the tournament and added another major title to a season in which he has demonstrated the ability to deliver consistently on the international circuit.

It was also his second Super 500 title of the year and fifth overall at the level, placing him joint-second among men's singles players. The win made him the first Indian men's singles player to claim two World Tour titles in a season since Kidambi Srikanth won four Superseries titles in 2017.

Sen turns the final around after losing the opening game

The final did not begin according to Sen's plans. Watanabe took control in the opening game, capitalising on opportunities to attack and forcing the Indian into a difficult position. Sen lost the game 13-21, with his opponent using the advantage of playing at home to maintain pressure.

The Indian, however, responded with a strong start in the second game. He raced to a 5-0 lead and gradually built a nine-point cushion, putting Watanabe under pressure to find a way back into the contest.

The Japanese shuttler produced a determined response, winning seven consecutive points to narrow the gap and bring the game back into contention. Sen had to remain composed as the momentum shifted, but he held firm to close out the game 21-18 and take the final into a decider.

The third game saw Sen establish control once again. He went into the interval with an 11-7 advantage before producing another decisive run, winning six points in succession to move closer to the title.

Watanabe attempted a late fightback and reduced the deficit, but Sen did not allow the match to slip away. The Indian maintained his composure through the closing exchanges and sealed the deciding game 21-14, completing a comeback victory against the home player.

Reflecting on the win, Sen highlighted the importance of maintaining confidence after losing the opening game and making adjustments to his shot selection. “It feels very good to win a title here. Last year, I reached the semifinals, so I am happy that I could better that result. This is my second title back-to-back and I would love to continue this form,” Sen said.

He explained that some loose lifts in the opening game had allowed Watanabe to attack more effectively. His response was to improve the length of his shots and adopt a more aggressive approach in the second and third games.

“Even after losing the first game, I kept my confidence up. I was making some easy lifts in the opening game, which allowed him to attack, so in the second and third games I focused on giving a better length and playing more aggressively,” he added.

The adjustment was central to the turnaround. By reducing the opportunities available to Watanabe and taking greater initiative in the rallies, Sen shifted the balance of the contest and controlled the decisive stages.

Sen's victory also adds to a remarkable year for Indian badminton. The nine titles and four runner-up finishes at Super 300 and higher-level tournaments outside India have taken the country's 2026 campaign beyond its previous benchmark.

The earlier record came in 2023, when Indian players secured six titles and three runner-up finishes across these tournaments. The latest achievement reflects the growing consistency of Indian shuttlers across the international circuit and the ability of players to compete for honours at multiple levels.

Badminton Association of India (BAI) General Secretary Sanjay Mishra congratulated Sen, highlighting the significance of his comeback against a home player in the final.

“Lakshya’s victory from a game down to win a final against a home player at the Kumamoto Masters is another proud moment for Indian badminton and a reflection of the consistency with which our players are performing on the international stage,” Mishra said.

He added that the season's results reflected the collective efforts of athletes, coaches and support teams, while underlining the growing strength of Indian badminton.

For Sen, the Kumamoto title is a second successive tournament victory and another indication of his ability to sustain winning form. For Indian badminton, it is part of a broader season in which the country's players have set a new benchmark on the World Tour.

With nine titles already secured at Super 300 and higher-level tournaments outside India, 2026 has established a new high-water mark for Indian badminton by this measure. Sen's historic victory in Japan has provided another highlight to a campaign that continues to strengthen India's presence on the international stage.